This stunning live edge river mirror project was created by Rad Dad Builds, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their space.
With a few simple steps, you can transform an old mirror into a beautiful live edge piece that showcases the natural beauty of wood.
Materials and Tools
- Maple slab (or any wood of your choice)
- Glass mirror
- 5-minute epoxy
- Water-based polyurethane
- Odie’s oil
- Clear silicone
- Plywood
- Band saw (or jigsaw)
- Table saw
- Planer
- Jointer
- Miter saw
- Sanding tools (various grits)
Step 1: Prepare the Wood
Start with a maple slab that has some character, like cracks or knots. This will give your mirror a unique touch. Cut the slab into two suitable sizes, allowing for three inches on each side of the glass and at least three-quarters of an inch covering the pass.
Step 2: Create Flat Surfaces
Use a jointer to create two flat surfaces on the pieces of wood. After that, bring the wood down to the desired thickness using a planer.
Step 3: Cut the Glass Channel
Set up your dado stack in the table saw to cut a channel for the glass to sit in. Adjust the height to one inch and set the fence at three inches to cut out the rebate.
Step 4: Fill Cracks with Epoxy
To prevent the epoxy from seeping through, tape the underside of the wood where there are cracks. Fill the cracks and knots with five-minute epoxy and let it cure.
Step 5: Sand the Wood
Once the epoxy has hardened, sand down the surfaces flush. Start with 80-grit sandpaper and work your way up to 120-grit, then use a wet rag to pop the grain.
Step 6: Apply Finishes
For the areas where the glass will sit, apply a water-based polyurethane to ensure a good bond with the silicone. For the other surfaces, use Odie’s oil for a beautiful finish.
Step 7: Attach the Glass
After the finishes have dried, apply a thin bead of clear silicone along the channel and carefully drop the glass into place.
Step 8: Secure the Mirror
Create two pieces of plywood the width of the glass and attach them to the back using clear silicone, ensuring they are equidistant from each end.
Step 9: Final Touches
Let everything dry overnight with weights on top to ensure a tight bond. The next day, clean any residue left from the silicone.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A stunning live edge river mirror that elevates your home decor.